Further raids have been carried out across Manchester as police confirm they believe the arena bomber was part of a network.

Police have named Salman Abedi - a Salford University student - as the suicide bomber behind the attack.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd has admitted terror attacker Abedi was known by the intelligence services "up to a point".

Today, raids have been carried out across Manchester with one resident describing the door to a flat being blown off and smoke and ash splattering the walls.

The father of the alleged Manchester arena attacker has also denied his son is linked to militants or the suicide bombing that killed 22 people.

"We don't believe in innocents. This is not us," Ramadan Abedi told Associated Press by telephone from the Libyan capital Tripoli.

Greater Manchester's chief constable gave a statement earlier in which he confirmed an off duty police officer had been killed in the explosion and that raids were taking place.

He said: “This is clearly a network that we are investigating, and extensive activity is taking place across Greater Manchester as we speak.”

Following a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergency committee, which was chaired by the Prime Minister, Ms Rudd said 984 military personnel were being deployed around the country in support of the police.

It comes as police in Manchester made three arrests this morning, bringing the total number of people arrested following the attack to four.

What we know about the Manchester terror attack so far

Floral tributes have been left in Manchester city centre to remember the victims of the attack (Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, is suspected to have detonated an improvised explosive device killing 22 people, including himself, and injuring up to 64. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.

The explosion took place at Manchester Arena on Monday evening as people began streaming from the doors after a show by American singer Ariana Grande.

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said 64 people were being treated, with 20 in critical care in hospital. The injured - including 12 under the age of 16 - were being treated at eight hospitals across Greater Manchester.

The first victim was named as college student Georgina Callander. Eight-year-old schoolgirl Saffie Roussos was also killed, as was a female off-duty police officer from Cheshire Police.

French interior minister Gerard Collomb said Abedi is believed to have travelled to Syria and had “proven” links with the Islamic State terror group. Mr Collomb told French television that both British and French intelligence services had information that Abedi had been in Syria.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said officers were carrying out “extensive searches” across Manchester, adding that “it’s very clear this is a network we are investigating”.

Seven people have been arrested including: a 23-year-old in south Manchester on Tuesday, three men in overnight raids in south Manchester, a man carrying a suspect package in Wigan, a woman following an armed raid of flats in Blackley, north Manchester, and a man arrested at an address in Warwickshire.

Armed police and officers raided a block of flats on Granby Row close to Manchester Piccadilly Station in connection with the arena attack.

A controlled explosion was carried out on Tuesday afternoon, as part of the investigation, at an address in Fallowfield.

All national General Election campaigning has been suspended and Prime Minister Theresa May described the bombing as being “among the worst terrorism we have experienced in the United Kingdom”.

Almost 1,000 military personnel were deployed around the country, including to key sites such as Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Downing Street, after the official terror threat assessment was raised to critical, the highest level.

A minute’s silence will be held at 11am on Thursday in remembrance of those who lost their lives or were affected by the attack.

The PM will chair a meeting of the Government’s Cobra emergency committee in Whitehall on Thursday morning.

Ariana Grande’s upcoming gigs at the O2 in London have been cancelled, her management confirmed.

22:53

Greater Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham 'troubled' by US leaks

Greater Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham said he was “troubled” by the US leaks and had raised a complaint with the American ambassador to the UK.He told BBC2’s Newsnight:

“On Monday evening when the reports were first coming through to me, I agreed with the chief constable and others we would take a cautious approach to putting public information out, because we wouldn’t want to get anything wrong or compromise the police investigation.

“And yet the first reports were coming seemingly out of the United States. That is concerning because obviously you want international co-operation when it comes to sharing of information - because events like this can have that broader dimension - but it worries me greatly.

“And in fact I made known my concerns about it to the US ambassador.

“It’s not acceptable to me that here there is a live investigation taking place, we cannot have information being put in the public domain that’s not in the direct control of the British police and security services.”

22:44KEY EVENT

Further arrest made after address searched in Warwickshire - 7 arrested in total

21:27

Police say they are 'keeping an open mind'

20:57KEY EVENT

Woman arrested in connection with the bombing after raid on block of flats

A woman has been arrested in connection with the Manchester Arena suicide bombing following an armed raid on a block of flats in Blackley, in the north ofthe city, Greater Manchester Police said.

20:43

Man charged with possessing weapon after Birmingham vigil cut short

A man has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon after police made an arrest at a vigil for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack.

Julian Blake, 39, has also been charged with resisting or obstructing a constable in the execution of his duty and three offences of possessing a sharp or pointed article in public, West Midlands Police said. Blake, of no fixed address, has been remanded into police custody and is due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. A candle-lit vigil in the city’s Victoria Square was cut short on Tuesday after a man started shouting, as around 1,000 people paid their respects to the victims of Monday’s atrocity. Chief Constable Dave Thompson - who attended the vigil in an official capacity - later tweeted: “Grateful to officers using initiative tonight. Safe not sorry.”

20:41

1,000 additional armed officers have been freed up to carry out patrols across the UK

One thousand additional armed officers have been freed up to carry out patrols across the UK one day into Operation Temperer.

The extra officers add to a wider policing plan which sees increased patrolling at crowded places, iconic sites and transport hubs after the Manchester terror attack on Monday, which saw 22 people killed and dozens injured.

Operation Temperer was activated on Tuesday night after the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) raised the threat level to “critical”.

In this phase of Temperer, up to 3,800 military personnel can be mobilised to support police within 12-96 hours of a UK terrorism incident.

Police remain in control of any operation that has military support, commanding the troops and their own officers.

The move sees military being deployed to protect key sites, freeing up armed police officers.

Police say they are urgently reviewing security of all key sites and major upcoming events over the coming days and weeks as a precautionary measure. Specialist officers and protective security experts continue to work with organisers around having appropriate security measures in place.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, head of national Counter Terrorism Policing, has said the public will see increased police patrols.

Mark Rowley, speaking on Thursday morning (Image: PA)

He said:

“The public expects us to do everything we can to prevent further attacks and to protect them from harm. They will see increased police patrols in the coming days, while there will be more armed officers at key locations, transport hubs and crowded places to deter terrorists and reassure the public.

“We are grateful to the military who have enabled us to put even more police on the streets to protect the public at this time.

“It is critical that the public work with us and remain vigilant. If you see anything that causes concern, then let us know immediately.

“Look out for anything that seems out of place, unusual or doesn’t seem to fit in with day-to-day life. It may be nothing, but if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist-related then trust your instinct and call us in confidence on 0800 789 321, or in an emergency 999.”

19:13

Ariana Grande tour 'suspended until we can further assess the situation and pay our proper respects'

(Image: PA)

A statement from Grande’s management said: “Due to the tragic events in Manchester the Dangerous Woman tour with Ariana Grande has been suspended until we can further assess the situation and pay our proper respects to those lost.“The London O2 shows this week have been cancelled as well as all shows through June 5 in Switzerland.“We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence.“Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together. Thank you.”

19:02

The New York Times have run pictures of the bomb apparently used in the attack

Photos have emerged of the apparent bomb used in the Manchester attack, which may have been concealed in a hiking backpack.

The shredded remains of the light blue Karrimor bag apparently carried by Salman Abedi can be seen in a series of “law enforcement images” on the New York Times website.

A blood-smeared silver detonator with wires trailing from one end is also seen lying on the floor. In one photo it is placed alongside a white forensic tape measure.

“The apparent detonator, which British law enforcement officials said was carried in the bomber’s left hand, is also unusual for a manual detonator in a suicide device, in that it appears to have contained a small circuit board soldered inside one end,” the American paper reported.

“It is not clear from the law enforcement images if the object was a simple plunger switch, or included a timer or a receiver that could be operated remotely via radio signal - or some combination.”

Shrapnel, including nuts and screws, are also shown on a bloodied floor.

Another image shows the charred remains of a 12-volt battery.

18:53

Ariana Grande suspends tour

A 14-year-old girl killed in the Manchester bombing has been described by her headteacher as “a delightful member of the school community”.Sorrell Leczkowski, from Adel, Leeds, died after the concert on Monday night and her mother and grandmother are reported to have been left seriously injured.Elaine Silson, the head of Allerton High School, confirmed the teenager’s death in a letter to parents.Ms Silson said: “I am deeply saddened to have to share with you the news, which has just been confirmed, that one of our Year 9 students, Sorrell Leczkowski, has died as a result of the tragic events at Manchester Arena on Monday night.“Sorrell was a delightful member of the school community. She enjoyed her studies, had a lovely group of friends and was a real asset to Allerton High School.“Our whole school community is extremely shocked and saddened by this and our thoughts are with Sorrell’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”The headteacher said: “Understandably, our staff and students are very upset and we are receiving support from Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and other external agencies.“Where appropriate students have been able to speak with experienced staff in a supportive environment. This support will be ongoing.”Ms Silson also included advice to parents in her letter on how to support their children through the tragedy.Friends of the family have set up an online appeal to help Sorrell’s mother, Samantha.The organiser said: “We are raising funds for Samantha who lost her 14 year old daughter in the atrocities in Manchester last night.“Samantha is in hospital and we don’t want her to worry about getting back to work any time soon.“RIP Sorrel xxxx.”The appeal was set up to raise £1,000 but it soon topped £7,000, with more than 380 people donating by Wednesday evening.

18:07

Conservatives say local campaigning will resume on Thursday

A Conservative spokesman said: “The Conservative Party will resume local campaigning for the General Election at noon tomorrow, after the minute’s silence to remember all those who lost their lives and others who were affected by the callous attack on innocent life in Manchester.“National campaigning will resume on Friday.”

18:04

Cheshire Police confirm death of officer

A short statement from Cheshire Police:

“Cheshire Police is now in a position to confirm that sadly one of our female officers tragically died while off-duty at the Manchester Arena on Monday 22 May.

“Unfortunately, we are not able to release any further details at the stage.”

18:01

National minute's silence to be observed at 11am on Thursday to remember Manchester terror attack victims

Floral tributes have been left in Manchester city centre to remember the victims of the attack (Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Britain will fall silent for a minute on Thursday morning to remember the victims of the Manchester terrorist actrocity.

The 11am silence will also be observed to mark solidarity with those injured in the massacre as well as others affected by the attack.

Flags will remain at half-mast on government buildings until the evening of May 25, said a statement released jointly by 10 Downing Street, the Foreign Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

It is understood that the silence will be followed by the resumption of local campaigning by most political parties, with the General Election contest restarting in full on Friday.

Officials said there was no national event planned for the silence but that individuals and organisations across the country are expected to decide for themselves how to mark the moment.

Staff in all government buildings are expected to observe the silence.

17:55

Here is a police statement after an arrest in Wigan

Greater Manchester Police said: “We have made an arrest in Wigan this afternoon in connection with the investigation into the horrific incident at Manchester Arena.“The man was carrying a package which we are currently assessing, a police cordon remains in place while this is carried out.”

17:48

Father and brother of Manchester bomber suspect arrested in Libya, The Telegraph report

17:43

Sky News report suspect arrested was carrying a package

17:34KEY EVENT

Further arrest made in connection with the Manchester attack

A suspect has been arrested in Wigan in connection with the Manchester suicide bomb attack, Greater Manchester Police said.

17:27

Welsh Labour to resume local campaigning tomorrow

17:00

Reuters report suspect's brother has been arrested in Libya

16:34KEY EVENT

14-year-old girl from Leeds named as latest victim of Manchester terror attack

The Press Association are reporting that Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, from Adel in Leeds, has been named as another of those killed in the Manchester attack.Sorrell is reported to have been a pupil at Allerton High School in the city, though neither the school nor Leeds City Council would confirm this.Greg Mulholland, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Leeds North West, paid tribute to the youngster on Facebook, saying: “My condolences thoughts & prayers are with the family of 14 year old Sorrell Leczkowski from Adel, Leeds, a victim of the Manchester attack. Heartbreaking news.”Mr Mulholland attended vigils in Leeds on Tuesday night for those killed and injured in the atrocity, and said the girl’s mother and grandmother had also been injured.He said: “People gathered to show sympathy and solidarity with all the victims of the Manchester attack and also especially to show the support of the local community to the families who have been caught up in this terrible atrocity.“It is heartbreaking that amongst the victims is a 14-year-old girl from Adel. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.”

16:21

'I think it’s very clear that this is a network that we are investigating'

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said the level of activity in the probe is “intense” and continuing “at pace”.

Asked if officers are looking for the person who made the bomb, he said: “I think it’s very clear that this is a network that we are investigating and as I’ve said, it continues at pace, this extensive investigation is going on and activity taking place across Greater Manchester as we speak.”

The Press Association is reporting that police have confirmed they are investigating a “network” in connection with the Manchester bombing as it emerged an off-duty female officer was killed in the atrocity.

As a huge inquiry into the attack continued, the father of perpetrator Salman Abedi claimed his son was innocent, saying: “We don’t believe in killing innocents. This is not us.”In other developments on Wednesday detectives made a further three arrests in connection with the investigation, taking the number of people in custody to four.

Russell Brand has donated the proceeds of a stand-up gig to victims of the Manchester bombing.The comedian took to the stage in Southport, Merseyside, a day after the terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night which left 22 people dead.

Russell Brand (Image: John Stillwell/PA Wire)

15:54

'This atrocity brings into focus how we need to plan and prepare for the worst' - SWFRS

Martin Henderson, Head of Operational Risk Management at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:

“First of all South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, like all other emergency services, wishes to extend our thoughts and sympathy to those that lost their lives, those they’ve left behind and the injured, following the events in Manchester on Monday night.

“This atrocity brings into focus how we need to plan and prepare for the worst. There are two elements to this; its impact to key events, such as the UEFA Champions League Finals and our planning for that, along with other services, has run into many months and will see additional specialist support. Secondly, its impact on normal day-to-day business.

“I can say, on both counts, the role of the Fire Service remains the same whatever the challenge and whatever the threat; which is to save lives, protect properties and provide humanitarian services.”

15:53

Pledge to help student who lost both parents in Manchester terror attack

People view floral tributes in St Ann's Square, Manchester, close to the Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people

A college has promised to fully support one of its students after confirming that both of her parents were killed in the Manchester bombing.Alex Klis, 20, made a desperate appeal for help to find her parents Angelika, 39, and Marcin, 42, after the attack on Monday night.It is thought the couple, from York, had gone to collect their daughter from the arena concert and were waiting for her when the bomb was detonated.On Wednesday, York College confirmed that Mr and Mrs Klis were among the dead.College principal and chief executive Dr Alison Birkinshaw said: “Everyone at York College is shocked and saddened to learn that the parents of one of our students, Alex Klis, both died during the Manchester attack.“This is devastating news for Alex and her family, the whole college and the wider community.“We are in touch with Alex and will do whatever we can to support her and her family.“The college has also arranged counselling and other support for students and staff affected by the news and will work with the wider networks in the city to do whatever is needed to help all those affected.”Dr Birkinshaw added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex and her family, and York College students and staff will do whatever we can to help and support Alex at this awful time.”Alex Klis took to Facebook on the early hours of Tuesday morning saying she was looking for her parents.She wrote: “Anyone who is in any safe place or hospital in Manchester, if anyone comes across my parents please please let me know as they’ve been missing ever since the attack.”Mr and Mrs Klis are believed to be the Polish couple referred to by Poland’s foreign minister, Witold Waszczykowski, when he told a radio station on Tuesday: “The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe.”Online appeals have been started to help Alex and her younger sister, Patrycia.It has been reported that family members from Poland are travelling to York to help. Mr Klis is understood to have worked as a taxi driver.

15:20KEY EVENT

One victim was a serving police officer

Greater Manchester’s chief constable confirmed that one of the victims was an off-duty police officer.

She was at the concert with her family. It is understood that her husband is also critically ill and their two children were injured.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “Very sadly I can confirm one of the victims is a serving police officer.See the full story here

15:18

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable: 'We have four people in custody'

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has held a press conference. This is his latest statement:

“I would like to confirm that we are confident that we have now spoken to all the immediate families of those who sadly died in Monday’s attack and they are all now being supported by specially trained officers.

“Due to the number of victims Home Office post-mortems are likely to take between four and five days. After this we will be in a position to formally name the victims with guidance from the Coroner. We have also spoken to all of the families and all of those who are currently lying injured in hospital and are doing all we can to support them.

He confirmed that three arrests had now been made and four people were in custody.

“You will be aware that the level of activity in this investigation is intense and is continuing at pace. We made three arrests in connection with the attacks overnight and this afternoon we entered an address in Manchester City Centre using a controlled explosion. Officers are currently at the scene but in order to do this safely we briefly had to close a nearby mainline railway, which has now been reopened. Those extensive searches will now continue.

“In total we currently have four people in custody.

“People will have seen a significant increase in the number of armed officers in Greater Manchester. We have been supported by forces in the North West and beyond in order to do this and this all forms part of our tried and tested plan for a major terrorist incident.”

15:16

Abedi's father spoke to his son five days ago and he sounded 'normal'

The father of the alleged Manchester arena attacker denies his son is linked to militants or the suicide bombing that killed 22 people, the Manchester Evening News is reporting.

Ramadan Abedi says he spoke to his 22-year-old son, Salman Abedi, five days ago and he was getting ready to visit Saudi Arabia and sounded “normal.”

He said that his son visited Libya a month-and-a-half ago.

The elder Abedi told The Associated Press by telephone from Tripoli: “We don’t believe in killing innocents. This is not us.”

He said his other son, Ismail, was arrested in England on Tuesday morning. He said Salman was planning to head from Saudi Arabia to Libya to spend the holy month of Ramadan with family.

Ramadan Abedi fled Tripoli in 1993 after Moammar Gadhafi’s security authorities issued an arrest warrant and eventually sought political asylum in Britain.

Now, he is the administrative manager of the Central Security force in Tripoli.

14:51

Swansea city shopping centre evacuated

Swansea’s Quadrant shopping centre has been evacuated as police deal with a suspicious package. We have got live updates from that operation here.